Featherweights Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie added to UFC 148

Former title challenger Chad Mendes (11-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will serve as the welcome wagon for the debut of former lightweight Cody McKenzie (13-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in the featherweight division.

UFC officials today announced that verbal agreements are in place for the 145-pound fight.

It’ll be part of July’s already-stacked UFC 148 lineup on Independence Day weekend.

UFC 148 takes place July 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view, and FX and Facebook are expected to carry the prelims. With an already-announced main card, Mendes vs. McKenzie likely will be part of the prelims.

Mendes fights for the first time since losing a title fight to featherweight champion Jose Aldo at UFC 142. Prior to the first-round knockout, Mendes won his first 11 professional fights, including four in the WEC and two in the UFC.

The former NCAA Division I wrestling national runner-up now meets fan favorite McKenzie, who snapped a two-fight losing skid and likely saved his job with a first-round submission victory over Marcus LeVesseur earlier this week at UFC on FUEL TV 3. “The Ultimate Fighter 12″ cast member used a guillotine choke for his 11th such victory in 13 career wins.

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.